The New York Knicks made it clear that they won’t be pursuing a trade for Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant this offseason, but he reportedly would’ve welcomed the opportunity to be shipped to the Big Apple.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Knicks would have been included on Durant’s list of top landing spots, “but were ultimately omitted when New York made it clear that it has decided against pursuing a trade for the NBA’s No. 8 all-time leading scorer.”
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on Saturday that the Miami Heat, Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs are Durant’s preferred trade destinations, and people across the league “have been made aware in recent days that those are the three teams Durant would commit to with a long-term extension.”
The 36-year-old is making $54.7 million for the 2025-26 season in the final year of his deal. Charania noted that the Suns “made it clear” to “seriously interested teams” that they “will make the best deal for the franchise, even if it means trading Durant to a team outside his preferred list.”
Stefan Bondy of the New York Post reported on Wednesday that the Knicks “are not in the mix” for Durant. New York is expected to pursue a star player this offseason after being eliminated from the playoffs by the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals, but the 15-time All-Star isn’t on their list of desired additions.
The Knicks had interest in Durant when he was a free agent in 2019, but he spurned them to sign with the rival Brooklyn Nets. It’s easy to see why Durant would find New York attractive this time around, as the team has a talented core led by star point guard Jalen Brunson.
Durant’s next landing spot will be one of the biggest storylines of the summer as the Suns try to secure the best offer for the former NBA MVP.
